JUFOF - Issue 116 - 1998 02

Magazine Overview

This issue of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (JUFOF), published by the Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens e.V. (GEP), is issue number 2 of volume 19, dated March/April 1998. It features a cover headline focused on UFO sightings and observations.

Featured Articles and Reports

"Der Mensch als Teil des UFO-Phänomens" by Craig Roberts This article discusses two psychological theories related to the UFO/abduction phenomenon: 'Fantasy Proneness and Psychopathology' and a theory linking geology and psychology through electrical brain stimulation. The author suggests that if psychology can prove or disprove that humans create these experiences through psychological mechanisms, it would be a significant scientific advancement. The work aims to reduce the scientific community's hesitation towards such investigations.

UFO Sightings and Analysis

#### Kaufbeuren Sightings (Fall-Nummer: 19960810 A, B, C, D)
Several reports from Kaufbeuren on August 10, 1996, describe a bright, silent, pinkish-orange object. Witnesses described its size as football-sized and its flight as majestic. The GEP's analysis suggests these sightings are likely model hot-air balloons, noting discrepancies in witness estimations of size and distance. Reinhard Fischer's detailed report and drawing are presented, with the GEP concluding it was likely a model hot-air balloon, though Fischer himself suggests a more exotic explanation.

#### Neunkirchen Sighting (Fall-Nummer: 19970407 A)
Sascha T. reported seeing red, pulsating lights, followed by a triangular object and military aircraft. The GEP's investigation suggests this may have been related to car headlights and atmospheric conditions, classifying it as a 'Problematic UFO'.

#### "Grün leuchtender Strahl aus Licht" by Rudolf Henke (Fall-Nummer: 1996 Frühjahr)
Two witnesses observed two objects in the morning sky. One object emitted a green beam of light towards the other, which then ascended rapidly. The GEP suggests this could be related to weather balloons, possibly reflecting sunlight, and notes the witness's predisposition towards UFO phenomena.

#### "Dunkelgrauer Staub" and "Schneeball-Lichter" by Rudolf Henke (Fall-Nummer: 19970412 A)
Ruth N. from Kiel reported seeing a snowball-like light and hearing strange noises, later identified as car headlights from a nearby autobahn and its associated traffic noise.

#### "Ufo mit Fenstern" by Karl-Heinz Schröder
This section details the observations and photographs of Karl-Heinz Schröder from Bad Dürrenberg. Schröder claims to have seen numerous UFOs and photographed them. The GEP's analysis, however, attributes his sightings, including a 'red circle' and objects with 'triangular windows', to astronomical phenomena like planets (Venus, Jupiter) and atmospheric distortions, particularly those caused by a power plant's chimney. The GEP criticizes Schröder's interpretation and his resistance to conventional explanations, while also noting media sensationalism surrounding his claims.

#### "Als ich ein UFO sah" by Gereon Hoffmann
Gereon Hoffmann recounts seeing a large, golden, luminous sphere with erratic movements, which he initially believed to be a UFO. He later identified it as a yellow balloon caught in a tree, demonstrating how a mundane object can be mistaken for a UFO.

Other Sections

#### "Die GEP..."
This section describes the GEP as a non-profit scientific organization dedicated to UFO research, employing interdisciplinary methods and cooperating with authorities. It defines a UFO as an object or light that is unexplainable at the time of observation.

#### "GEP-Mitglieder..."
This part outlines the benefits of GEP membership, including receiving the JUFOF journal, access to literature, and discounts.

#### "Definition des Begriffs 'UFO'"
Provides a formal definition of a UFO.

#### "Liebe Leser Innen!"
An editorial note mentions an upcoming exhibition at the "Haus der Geschichte der Bundesrepublik Deutschland" about 'Images that lie', and the GEP's contribution to it. It also highlights a book by Hans-Werner Peiniger, "Das Rätsel: Unbekannte Flugobjekte".

#### Literature and Media

A section lists books and videos related to UFO phenomena, including "TOP SECRET - Unheimliche Begegnungen" and "UFOs: Das Handbuch der Phänomene".

#### "Sonderangebot!"
An offer for the book "WESEN AUS DEM WELTRAUM?" (Beings from Outer Space?) with minor cover defects.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently emphasizes a critical and analytical approach to UFO reports. While acknowledging the existence of unexplained phenomena, the editorial stance leans towards identifying conventional explanations (IFO - Identified Flying Object) for most sightings. The articles frequently discuss the psychological factors influencing witness perception and the importance of rigorous investigation to avoid misinterpretations. The GEP appears to maintain a scientific, evidence-based methodology, often contrasting with the more sensationalist reporting found in some media outlets. The theme of 'misidentification' is prevalent, with many cases being resolved as balloons, planets, or atmospheric effects. The journal also highlights the role of the GEP as a central hub for UFO research in Germany, providing resources and analysis for both members and the public.

This issue of 'JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG' (Journal for UFO Research), issue number 116 from 1998, delves into a variety of topics related to UFO phenomena, extraterrestrial life, and related mysteries. The cover prominently features a diagram of a UFO sighting and a section titled 'KURZ NOTIERT' (Briefly Noted).

Roswell News

Neuer Beweis für Filmfälschung (New Evidence for Film Forgery): John R. English, former director of the 'Air and Space Historical Center' in San Diego, stated in 1997 that the 'Santilli-Alien-Film' could not be from 1947. He bases this on the 'Danger' warning sign visible in the film, which was not adopted by ANSI until 1967 and approved by OSHA in 1973. The implementation of this OSHA index began after 1983, proving the film was not shot before 1967.

Glenn Dennis erneut entlarvt (Glenn Dennis Exposed Again): The article challenges the testimony of Glenn Dennis, a key witness in the Roswell incident. Lorenzo Kent Kimball, a professor at the University of Utah, stated that as a medical officer in charge of the Roswell Military Hospital in 1947, he had no knowledge of alien bodies or autopsies. He interviewed the hospital commander, Major Jack Comstock, shortly before his death, who also denied any such events. Dennis's claim of a mortician at the Roswell Air Force Base in 1947 is also refuted by Kimball, who states no such position existed there.

Kurz Notiert (Briefly Noted)

Gab es früher doch Leben auf dem Mars? (Was there life on Mars before?): Scientists in Paris and Chicago suggest that about four billion years ago, a dense carbon dioxide ice cloud on Mars created a greenhouse effect, melting ice and forming water, which could have supported life. The article speculates if this life could have been simple or intelligent, and if it relates to phenomena like the 'Mars-Pyramids' or the 'Mars-Face'.

Neue Beweise für frühes Leben auf Europa? (New Evidence for Early Life on Europa?): The US probe Galileo recently discovered salt on Jupiter's moon Europa, indicating that water may have evaporated there. This discovery fuels speculation about possible life on the moon.

Book Reviews and Features

Stanton T. Friedman: Die Akte Majestic 12 (The Majestic 12 File): This book by physicist Stanton T. Friedman examines the controversial MJ-12 documents, which allegedly detail a secret group formed after the Roswell and Corona UFO crashes in New Mexico. The documents reportedly include a report to President Eisenhower about the recovery of an unknown object and four alien bodies.

Wladislaw Raab: Unheimliche Begegnungen (Uncanny Encounters): Raab's research report focuses on the abduction phenomenon, presenting new German cases. He highlights the parapsychological aspects of these experiences and suggests that psychological components are often overlooked. Raab discusses various theories but concludes that none fully explain the phenomenon, hinting at possibilities like interdimensional travel.

Roland M. Horn: In den Händen fremder Mächte (In the Hands of Strange Powers): Horn analyzes abduction cases, questioning whether humans are abducted by exotic beings in unknown flying objects. He examines the role of hypnosis in reconstructing these events, noting its unreliability and the potential for 'cryptomnesia'.

Phil Cousineau: Ufos. Das Handbuch der Phänomene (UFOs. The Handbook of Phenomena): This comprehensive handbook covers various aspects of the UFO phenomenon, from ancient sightings to modern contactees and abductions, incorporating sociological and cultural perspectives.

Peter Krassa: Gott kam von den Sternen (God Came from the Stars): Krassa reinterprets biblical texts, suggesting that Earth was visited by extraterrestrial beings who influenced human development. He explores the possibility of Jesus Christ being an alien astronaut.

Walter Hain: Sein Reich war nicht von dieser Welt (His Kingdom Was Not of This World): Hain argues that Jesus Christ was a representative of an extraterrestrial intelligence, drawing parallels between biblical accounts and phenomena like the Turin Shroud and the 'Mars-Face'.

Hans-Werner Sachmann: Das Erbe von Atlantis (The Legacy of Atlantis): Sachmann presents Atlantis as a powerful ancient civilization that influenced early human history, including the Sumerians and Egyptians, and possibly even reached Mars.

Peter Krassa: Dein Schicksal ist vorherbestimmt (Your Fate is Predetermined): Krassa explores themes of fate, time, and consciousness, discussing the 'Chronovisor' device attributed to Father Ernetti, which allegedly could observe past events.

Lars Fischinger: Götter der Sterne (Gods of the Stars): This book analyzes biblical myths and ancient texts, suggesting they contain evidence of extraterrestrial contact and influence on human civilization.

Johannes und Peter Fiebag: Zeichen am Himmel (Signs in the Sky): The Fiebag brothers investigate the connection between Marian apparitions and UFO phenomena, proposing that these events are manifestations of a superior non-terrestrial intelligence.

Bruno Buike: UFOs. Geschichte und Naturwissenschaft (UFOs. History and Natural Science): This is a bibliography of UFO-related literature, though criticized for its incompleteness.

André von Tömösy-Moussong: Lebewesen auf der Sonne sind unsere Schöpfer (Beings on the Sun are Our Creators): This book presents a speculative theory that life on Earth originated from beings on the sun, referred to as 'Sonnenaren'.

Software Reviews: The magazine reviews several software programs, including '3D SAT Weltatlas' and 'D-Atlas 97' for geographical mapping and satellite imagery, and 'PowerRoute 2' for route planning. These tools are presented as useful for UFO researchers in analyzing sighting locations.

Music Reviews: Reviews of EMI's 'NEW SPIRIT' CD series, including 'Star Contact', 'Music for Yoga', and 'Women of Power and Grace', are provided, noting their professional quality.

Video Review: A review of Michael Hesemann's video documentary 'UFOs: Die Kontakte. Teil 1: Die Pioniere' (UFOs: The Contacts. Part 1: The Pioneers) is featured, discussing early UFO contactee cases.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently explores the UFO phenomenon from various angles, including eyewitness accounts, alleged evidence, scientific investigations, and historical interpretations of myths and religious texts. There is a clear emphasis on critical analysis, with several articles debunking claims or questioning the reliability of witnesses and evidence. The magazine also features reviews of books, videos, and software relevant to UFO research. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging detailed investigation while maintaining a critical perspective on sensational claims. The inclusion of reader letters indicates an active engagement with the readership and ongoing debates within the UFO community.